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Pyramids of Giza History | Purpose, Construction, Timeline & More
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Located in Giza Necropolis, the Pyramids of Giza are a cluster of massive tombs that were built over 4500 years ago by the ancient Egyptians. They were once grand tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Before you plan a visit, learn more about the history of the Pyramids of Giza.
What are the Pyramids of Giza?
The Pyramids of Giza date back over 4,500 years when they were built for the three Ancient Pharaohs – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. They were built as massive tombs and were the tallest standing man-made structures for thousands of years. Currently, they are the only one of the remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
More about Pyramids of GizaWho built the Pyramids of Giza?
The Pyramids of Giza were built during the fourth dynasty by the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
However, they weren’t the first pyramids to be built. The very first pyramid was built by the Pharaoh Djoser at Saqqara around 2670 BC, and then in 2630 BC the Pharaoh Snefru, father of Khufu, built the first true pyramid, the Red Pyramid at Dashur.
Pyramid of Khufu
Completed c. 2560 BC
The oldest pyramid in Giza is the Great Pyramid of Khufu. It began construction around 2600 BC, and was completed around 2570 BC. It features three known chambers that housed the king’s sarcophagus along with his treasures. Three smaller queen's pyramids and two boat pits are also associated with Khufu. At a height of 137m, this pyramid was considered to be the tallest man-made structure for thousands of years.
Pyramid of Khafre
Completed c. 2570 BC
The next pyramid was built by Khufu’s son, Khafre. At 136m high, it’s the second-tallest pyramid in Giza. It was completed around 2570 BC and appears larger than Khufu’s Pyramid as it stands on higher ground. Its peak is still capped with the original polished limestone casing. A Valley Temple featuring several statues of Khafre and the Great Sphinx is also a part of this pyramid complex.
The Great Sphinx of Giza
Completed c. 2510 BC
Located near Khafre’s Valley Temple is a massive sculpture of the Great Sphinx. It was called “the Sphinx” by the ancient Greeks because it resembled their mythical winged monster with the head of a man and the body of a lion. While no one knows for sure what this statue was intended for, it was carved from the bedrock during Khafre’s reign and probably portrays his features.
Pyramid of Menkaure
Completed c. 2510 BC
The last of the pyramids of Giza was built for Khafre’s son, Menkaure, around 2510 BC. It is the smallest of the three main pyramids at just 62m. It is believed that the pharaoh Menkaure died before the structure was completed, leaving some stones unfinished. The pyramid of Menkaure is also accompanied by three smaller pyramids as well as a valley temple that once contained many statues of the king.
Queen’s Pyramids
Built c. 2600–2500 BC
To the east of the Great Pyramid of Khufu's, there are three small pyramids, some just 20m high. These are the tombs of Khufu’s wives and sisters, popularly known as the Queens' Pyramids. They include the Pyramid of Hetepheres, Khufu’s mother, and the Queens Meritites and Henutsen, his wives. South of the Pyramid of Menkaure are three more small Queens’ Pyramids, however, it is unknown who is buried there.
Cemeteries & Noble’s Tombs
Built c. 2500–2100 BC
Surrounding the three pyramids are many flat-topped funerary structures called mastabas. They were used for the burials of lesser relatives or officials of the kings and were arranged along streets and avenues. These were built between 2575–2465 BC. You can also see tombs belonging to the workers who spent up to 85 years to complete building the three pyramids and the rest of the Giza complex.
History of the Giza Pyramids
Building the Pyramids
c. 2600–2500 BC
The three Pyramids of Giza were built during the Fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, between 2600 and 2500 BC. The oldest of these structures is the Pyramid of Khufu. It’s believed that a workforce of 20,000 – 40,000 paid laborers took between 20 to 30 years to build each of the three Pyramids. They were built on the west bank of the Nile, which was thought of as the site of the setting sun and associated with the realm of the dead.
The Pyramids in ancient times
c. 2500–2100
The pyramids were constructed as burial monuments for the deceased pharaohs. The ancient Egyptians believed that when a pharaoh died, they would live on in the afterlife as gods. So, they needed to be buried with the items they might need in their afterlife, and so the pyramids were used to store the pharaoh’s treasures. They were also built with mortuary temples where priests worshipped the deceased pharaohs.
Later Egyptian kings
c. 1570–1069 BC
By the time of the New Kingdom (1570–1069 BC), the Giza complex was still an active site. The Pharaohs Thutmose I, Amenhotep II, and Thutmose IV built various temples near the Sphinx. Later kings such as Tutankhamun and Ramesses II also added new structures to the complex.
A popular Roman tourist site
c. 480 BC–400 AD
After Egypt was annexed by the Romans between 32–30 BC, the Pyramids of Giza were regarded as antiquities. They became a popular tourist destination, even among Roman Emperors. The Sphinx was even restored in 60 AD in honor of Emperor Nero, and a stairway and podium were added to help visitors view the structure.
Explorations in the Middle Ages
820 AD–1500
In the Middle Ages, Egypt was conquered by Islamic Caliphs. The early rulers were fascinated by the Pyramids, and in 820 AD, Caliph Al-Ma'mun is said to have tunneled into the side of the Great Pyramid to explore what was inside. The writer Abd al-Latif al-Baghdadi also studied the pyramids in 1200 AD, praising them as works of engineering genius, and the Islamic historian Al-Maqrizi further explored the Great Pyramid in the 1400s, including the sarcophagus in the coffin chamber.
Attempted destruction of the Pyramids
12th Century
In 1196 AD, Al-Aziz Uthman, the second Ayyubid Sultan of Egypt, tried to destroy the Pyramids of Giza, starting with that of Menkaure. His workers tried to pull down the pyramids for eight months but found that they were as expensive to destroy as they were to build. Since they were only able to remove one or two stones each day, Al-Aziz was unsuccessful. His expensive efforts merely left a long gash on the northern face of the Pyramid of Menkaure
Napoleon visits the Pyramids
1798
During the French invasion of Egypt in 1798, Napoleon visited the Pyramids of Giza before the Battle of Pyramids. He is said to have spent a few nights in the Pyramid complex before the battle and asked his soldiers to scale the exteriors of the pyramid. However, despite the legends saying that he spent the night alone inside the Great Pyramid, the truth is that he never ventured inside.
Early egyptologists and the Pyramids
1798–1890s
After the French discovered the Rosetta Stone in 1799 and deciphered Hieroglyphics, Egypt was captured by the British in 1801. European historians soon began to show more interest in ancient Egypt and the pyramids. Important events include the first modern archaeological dig of the site in 1817, supervised by Giovanni Belzoni, and Howard Vyse’s explorations inside the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure.
The Pyramids of Giza during World War I
1914–1918
During World War I, British soldiers were posted in Egypt to protect the Suez Canal. Many soldiers and nurses from Australia and New Zealand stayed in tents near the Giza complex. As a result, British and Imperial soldiers serving here followed the tourist routes and posed in front of tourist attractions including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
Modern egyptologists explore the Pyramids
1920s–present
After a resurgence in interest in Egypt, following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s fabulous tomb in the 1920s, several modern Egyptologists have explored the site to find valuable discoveries about the pyramids. These include the excavation of the workers’ village, the discoveries of Khufu’s solar boats, and the tomb of Queen Hetepheres I.
The Pyramids of Giza today
Today the Giza pyramid complex is one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. And, in recognition of their importance to history, they were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Archeologists continue to study the pyramids, including the Giza Plateau Mapping Project, which continues to excavates the Workers Village where the pyramid builders lived. There are also ongoing plans to revamp the pyramids of the Giza complex by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism to make the site more accessible and promote tourism in Egypt.
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Frequently asked questions about the Pyramids of Giza history
Who built the Pyramids of Giza?
Several ancient Egyptian laborers built the Pyramids of Giza under the supervision of three Pharaohs- Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure during the Old Kingdom period in ancient Egypt, around 4500 years ago. These pyramids are renowned all over the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Who were the Pyramids of Giza built for?
The Pyramids of Giza were built as tombs for three pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty in ancient Egypt – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. These pyramids were built around 4500 years ago and are still revered all across the world for their rich historical significance and architecture.
How old are the Pyramids of Giza?
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest pyramid in the complex was completed around 2560 BC, making it approximately 4500 years old. The other pyramids were also built consecutively in the later years, following the reigns of Pharaohs like Khafre and Menkaure.
How tall are the Pyramids of Giza?
Of the three pyramids of Giza, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the tallest at a height of 137 meters. The Pyramid of Khafre is 136 meters tall and the Pyramid of Menkaure is around 65 meters tall.
How did the Egyptians build the Pyramids?
According to experts, the pyramids were built using large limestone blocks that were quarried to the site. It took thousands of workers to plan and build the Giza Pyramids with the help of rollers, levers, ramps, and other tools. Even after centuries, scholars and visitors alike continue to marvel at the impeccable engineering skills of ancient Egyptians.
What is inside the Pyramids of Giza?
Inside the pyramids of Giza, you will find several chambers, grand galleries, and the sarcophagi of the Pharaohs. It is said the air shafts and passageways inside the Pyramids help the Pharaohs find their way to the afterlife.
Can you go inside the Pyramids of Giza?
Yes, if you purchase Pyramids of Giza tickets, you can visit the Pyramids of Giza, explore the interiors of the pyramid complexes, look at the Great Sphinx, Queen's Pyramids, Mortuary temples, and more.
Is it possible to climb the outside of the Pyramids of Giza?
No, the Pyramids of Giza are a protected, ancient site, and climbing them is both dangerous and detrimental to the architecture. Book Pyramids of Giza tours and explore the interiors and landscape around the pyramid complex.
When do the Pyramids of Giza open?
The Pyramids are open from 7 AM to 6 PM from April to September and from 8 AM to 4 PM from October to March. If you want to explore the interiors of the Pyramid complexes and spend time touring around the sand dunes and going on quad safari bike adventures, visit during the winter months. Although the prices are slightly higher, the weather is more bearable.
Can I buy tickets to visit the Pyramids of Giza?
Yes, you can book Pyramids of Giza tours online to save time and money. Online ticket bookings ensure that you do not have to wait in long lines on the day of your visit and you can have a hassle-free touring experience.
